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Utah Judge Imposes New Congressional Map, Creating Democratic-Leaning Salt Lake Seat for 2026

The ruling applies Proposition 4 to block the legislature’s plan, with rapid appeals expected.

Overview

  • Third District Judge Dianna Gibson adopted Plaintiffs’ Map 1 for the 2026 elections after rejecting the Legislature’s Map C.
  • The court found Map C was drawn with partisan data, was an extreme outlier under Proposition 4 standards, and unduly favored Republicans.
  • Gibson enjoined S.B. 1011, the new law codifying three partisan-symmetry tests, writing that it would mandate the partisan favoritism Proposition 4 was meant to prevent.
  • The decision arrived just before the Nov. 10 deadline set by Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, who said she will implement the new map unless an appeals court intervenes.
  • Republican leaders pledged to appeal, some called for impeachment proceedings against the judge, and the party is pursuing a 2026 ballot initiative to repeal Proposition 4, highlighting national stakes in the fight for U.S. House control.